Sherry Amatto with Helen Norris and Emily Falson during the CWA presentation.
WELLINGTON BRANCH of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) is proud to share the generous support received from the CWA NSW Sydney City Branch, who donated $1000 to the small but dedicated branch of 12 members.
This year, branch members focused on identifying a local cause that would make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people in our community and were introduced to the inspiring work of Jeff Amato, who leads the Darrambal Program—a school-based initiative designed to connect students with their Aboriginal culture while boosting school attendance, engagement, and wellbeing.
The program supports both male and female students by aligning cultural learning with school outcomes.
Students are monitored not only throughout the program but into the following school year, with strong communication maintained with parents and guardians to reinforce learning at home.
The Wellington branch also learned about an inspiring young leader in our community, Sherry Amato, Jeff’s niece, who has been nominated as Wellington High School Captain for 2026.
Sherry attended our recent CWA meeting, held in Cameron Park during the unveiling of our 100-year centenary bench, honouring the remarkable women of the Wellington CWA.
This branch, established in 1922, is one of the oldest in NSW, and members take immense pride in the legacy passed along.
Sherry spoke to members about an upcoming Empowering Women Weekend, planned for February 2026 at Lake Burrendong.
Hosted by More Cultural Rehabs Less Jails, the three-day, two-night event will bring together 20 young Aboriginal women for healing, empowerment, and cultural connection.
The program will offer culturally safe activities, role-model engagement, water-based recreation, creative expression, self-care practices, and the distribution of dignity bags.
The weekend aims to nurture identity, resilience, and wellbeing—creating lasting memories and strong pathways for young women in Wellington.
Moved by Sherry’s passion and leadership, the Wellington CWA Branch unanimously decided to donate the $1000 received from CWA Sydney City to support this important event for young women in this community.